Massachusetts opioid overdose deaths spike to a record-high: ‘A tragedy and alarming’

Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts continued to spike last year, yet again hitting a record high with fentanyl present in 93% of fatal opioid ODs.

There were 2,357 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in the Bay State last year, surpassing the previous peak in 2021 by 57 deaths. That’s a 2.5% increase year-over-year.

Fatal OD rates among Black, non-Hispanic residents made up the largest increase, according to preliminary data released on Thursday by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

“The increase in opioid-related overdose deaths is a tragedy and alarming,” said DPH Commissioner Robert Goldstein. “We know overdose deaths are preventable.

“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on mental health and substance use, especially among marginalized communities,” Goldstein added. “We are working to reverse these troubling trends by continuing to build on our data-driven and equity-based approaches toward responsive support and treatment.”

The opioid-related overdose death rate in Massachusetts increased to 33.5 per 100,000 people in 2022 — 2.5% higher than in 2021 (32.7 per 100,000), and 9.1% higher than the pre-pandemic peak in 2016.

Among non-Hispanic Black residents, the opioid-related overdose death rate surged by 42%, from 36.4 to 51.7 deaths per 100,000 residents from 2021 to 2022.

Fentanyl was present in 93% of fatal opioid overdoses in 2022 where a toxicology report was available. Cocaine was present in 53% of toxicology reports. Alcohol was present in 28%, benzodiazepines in 27%, prescription opioids in 11%, amphetamines in 9%, and heroin in 6%.

In response to the rise in opioid-related overdose deaths, DPH issued an advisory last month urging all providers to increase availability of naloxone (Narcan) kits, and train staff to dispense and administer naloxone to anyone who may need it.

Health officials are urging everyone, especially those around people at high risk for overdose, to carry and know how to use naloxone — which can prevent serious harm and death from overdose.

“As Attorney General, I made combatting the opioid crisis a top priority, and that commitment continues as Governor while we work to provide individuals and communities with the support they need for treatment, prevention and recovery,” said Gov. Maura Healey.

“Too many Massachusetts families, particularly families of color, have been impacted by this crisis, and in order to effectively respond, we need to address the gaps in the system by advancing long-term solutions that include housing, jobs, mental health care and more resources for our cities and towns,” the governor added.

The largest overdose death increases last year were seen in Worcester County (18%, from 281 to 331) and Plymouth County (14%, from 167 to 190).

The following cities and towns experienced a notable increase in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022 compared with 2021: Lawrence, Leominster, Lynn, Springfield, Waltham, Weymouth, and Worcester.

The following cities and towns experienced a notable decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022 compared with 2021: Gloucester, Haverhill, Norton, Salem, and Taunton.